History of James Hetfield in Timeline

James Hetfield is the co-founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter for the iconic heavy metal band Metallica. Forming the band in 1981 with Lars Ulrich, Hetfield is celebrated for his distinctive raspy vocals and complex rhythm guitar skills, occasionally contributing lead guitar parts as well. Metallica's success includes ten Grammy Awards and the release of eleven studio albums. Hetfield is widely recognized as one of the greatest heavy metal rhythm guitarists, solidifying his influential status in music history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1936: "Slowburn" Won Custom of the Year

In 1936, James Hetfield owned a 1936 Auburn boat tail speedster named "Slowburn", which won the 2010 Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year award.

August 3, 1963: James Hetfield's Birth

On August 3, 1963, James Alan Hetfield was born. He is an American musician known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, co-founder, and a primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica.

Others born on this day/year

1968: Chevrolet Camaro for Sale

In 1968, James Hetfield owned a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro that he later put up for sale on eBay to benefit a Music for Schools program. This car was featured in the "I Disappear" video.

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1976: Parents' Divorce

In 1976, James Hetfield's parents divorced. They were strict Christian Scientists who disapproved of medicine.

February 1980: Death of Cynthia Bassett

In February 1980, James Hetfield's mother, Cynthia Bassett, died of cancer when he was 16 years old. Her death influenced many of his lyrics with Metallica.

October 1981: Co-founded Metallica

In October 1981, James Hetfield co-founded the heavy metal band Metallica after responding to an advertisement by Lars Ulrich in The Recycler. This marked a significant career milestone.

1981: Graduation from High School

In 1981, James Hetfield graduated from Brea Olinda High School, marking the end of his formal education.

1981: Metallica Founding Year Tattoo

In 1981, Metallica was founded, and James Hetfield has a tattoo on his right hand, "M" and "81", representing "Metallica" and the year of the band's founding.

1982: Tensions with Dave Mustaine

Beginning in 1982, tensions rose between James Hetfield and Dave Mustaine due to Mustaine's aggressive behavior and drinking problems.

April 1, 1983: Recruitment of Kirk Hammett

On April 1, 1983, Metallica recruited Kirk Hammett from the band Exodus to be their lead guitarist.

February 1984: The term "thrash metal" was first used.

In February 1984, the term "thrash metal" was first used by Kerrang journalist Malcolm Dome to describe the Anthrax song "Metal Thrashing Mad". This term would later be associated with Metallica's music.

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1984: Switched to Gibson Explorer

In 1984, James Hetfield switched to using the Gibson Explorer model guitar after primarily using an Electra Flying V copy.

1985: Bought Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier

In 1985, for the recording of Master of Puppets, James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett each bought a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier. Since then, Hetfield has primarily used Mesa/Boogies.

1991: Metallica Album Release

Since the release of Metallica's self-titled album Metallica in 1991, every album of original material released by Metallica has reached #1 on the Billboard charts during its first week.

August 8, 1992: On-Stage Pyrotechnic Accident

On August 8, 1992, during a Guns N' Roses/Metallica Stadium Tour concert in Montreal, James Hetfield suffered an on-stage accident involving a pyrotechnic charge, resulting in second and third-degree burns. He returned to the stage 17 days later.

1992: Pyrotechnic Accident Reference

In 1992, James Hetfield suffered a pyrotechnic accident during a concert in Montreal, which is referenced in one of his tattoos.

1996: Death of Virgil Hetfield

In 1996, James Hetfield's father, Virgil Hetfield, died before the release of Metallica's album Load.

August 17, 1997: Marriage to Francesca Tomasi

On August 17, 1997, James Hetfield married Francesca Tomasi. They have three children together.

2000: Confirmed Singing "Hell Isn't Good"

In 2000, James Hetfield confirmed that he sang the song "Hell Isn't Good" from the film South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut, putting to rest previous beliefs that Trey Parker had sung the song. Many Hetfield fans had already recognized his trademark growling style.

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2001: Entered Rehab for Alcohol Usage

In 2001, James Hetfield entered a rehab program to address his alcohol usage during the recording of Metallica's St. Anger album.

2001: Entered Rehab Program

In 2001, James Hetfield entered a rehab program to address substance abuse and addiction issues. This event was documented in the film Metallica: Some Kind of Monster.

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2002: Maintained Abstinence from Alcohol

By early 2002, James Hetfield began maintaining total abstinence from alcohol, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey.

2007: Metallica Performed at Live Earth Concert

In 2007, Metallica performed at London's Live Earth concert. When asked about climate change, Hetfield offered his thoughts.

September 12, 2008: Release of Death Magnetic

On September 12, 2008, Metallica released their ninth studio album, Death Magnetic, which reached #1 on the Billboard charts in over 30 countries during its first week.

2008: Hetfield's Live Rig

In 2008, Hetfield's live rig included a variety of amplifiers and equipment to produce Metallica's sound.

2008: Response to Use of Metallica's Music for Torture

In 2008, James Hetfield responded to the use of Metallica's music to torture Iraqi prisoners by expressing he was unoffended.

April 4, 2009: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On April 4, 2009, James Hetfield, along with Metallica members, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band performed "Master of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman" at the ceremony.

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2009: Ranked Among Greatest Metal Guitarists and Vocalists

In 2009, James Hetfield was ranked No. 8 in "The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists" by Joel McIver and No. 24 on Hit Parader's list of the "100 Greatest Metal Vocalists of All Time", acknowledging his significant contributions to metal music.

2010: "Slowburn" Wins Custom Award

In 2010, James Hetfield's 1936 Auburn boat tail speedster, "Slowburn", won the Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year award.

2010: Added Line 6 Effects Unit

In 2010, a Line 6 effects unit was added to James Hetfield's equipment list, along with the TC Electronic unit, which may have replaced his stompboxes.

2010: "Reborn Straight Edge"

In a 2010 interview with So What!, James Hetfield stated that he is a "reborn straight edge", indicating his commitment to a sober lifestyle.

December 2011: Teaming Up with Fortin Amps and Randall Amplifiers

In December 2011, Fortin Amps announced a collaboration with Randall Amplifiers to create a new line of tube amplifiers based on the Fortin Meathead amplifier. Kirk Hammett received two prototypes, and James Hetfield was set to receive one as well.

2017: Reaffirmed Stance on Music Used for Torture

In a 2017 interview, James Hetfield reaffirmed his previous stance on the use of Metallica's music to torture Iraqi prisoners, stating he was honored if it helped keep the country safe.